Solar Panels in Essex
Harnessing solar power in Essex
Solar panels are becoming an increasingly common sight on residential properties. And it’s no wonder, when this sustainable energy option allows homeowners to cut both their electricity bills and their carbon footprint. Solar panels allow you to generate your own electricity year-round, helping minimise your dependence on the fluctuating prices of the national grid. Additionally, they’re a clean, renewable energy source, which allows you to move away from relying on the fossil fuels that are damaging our environment.
Solar panels are made from photovoltaic cells, which harness the power of the sun and turn it into usable electricity for your home. In Essex, you’ll generate the most energy between April and August, but you’ll continue to see the benefits across the seasons, generating around 4,075 kWh on average per year if you have a 3.9 kWp installation.
The amount of energy you can generate will be influenced by the number of panels you have, as well as their orientation and elevation. Otovo will connect you with local suppliers who have experience installing solar panels in Essex, to ensure that you get the best setup for your area and specific property.
Interested? Enter your postcode below and we’ll provide you with a full quote, including prices, savings and the impact switching to solar could have on your carbon footprint.
The benefits of investing in solar
- Move towards energy independence. Buying your energy from the national grid means that you’ll always be susceptible to fluctuating prices. By investing in solar, you can generate your own electricity, and therefore become less reliant on rising prices.
- Get truly green energy. Whilst you can opt for a green energy supplier, currently this just means that there are more renewable energy units in the national grid – there’s no way of ensuring that your home is powered by green energy alone. Utilising solar means that you can ensure you’re running your devices off truly clean power when you generate energy.
Reduce your energy bills. Even if you can’t completely power your home using solar panels, any energy you produce will contribute to reducing your energy bills. Including a battery in your home solar setup can ensure you get the most from your panels.
Sound good? Contact us for your personalised quote
How much does it cost for solar panels to be installed?
Getting a personalised solar panel quote is the best way to check how much solar panels might cost for your home, but we know it can be helpful to get average figures. Below, you can see the approximate costs of installing a solar panel system in Essex, so that you can decide whether it’s right for you.
| Number of standard panels | 5 | 10 | 15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kilowatts peak (kWp) | 2.0 | 3.9 | 5.8 |
| Annual kWh production | 2000 kWh | 4000 kWh | 5900 kWh |
| Price without battery | £4,131 | £5,544 | £7,013 |
| Price with battery | - | £9,471 | £10, 615 |
You can expect to see a return on your investment around the seven year mark, but you’ll start saving on your energy bills well before this point. Households with a 3.9 kWp system in Essex can expect to save around £789 per year without a battery, increasing to £1,163 if you add a battery to your solar setup.
Solar panel installation in Essex
Otovo’s mission is to connect households across Europe with renewable, affordable energy. We’re market leaders, having installed over 10,000 systems across seven countries, so you can feel assured that we have the experience to find you your perfect installer. We want you to be satisfied with your Otovo experience, so we offer:
- Installation by accredited, local solar panel experts.
- An extended warranty
- Access to Otovo’s app, which allows you to track your solar production and see how it is benefiting your home.
- Continued support from our friendly team post installation.
Find out how solar power can benefit you
Areas covered
- Chelmsford
- Saffron Walden
- Brentwood
- Harlow
- Colchester
- Braintree
- Epping
- Southend-on-Sea
- Basildon
- Billericay
- Grays
- And more
Solar panel FAQs
Do solar panels work when it’s cloudy?
You might imagine that you need clear skies to see any benefit from solar panels, but that’s not the case. Solar panels absorb energy from all light, not just direct sunlight, so they can still function when it’s overcast. However, it is true that your solar generation will decrease on cloudy days in comparison to bright sunlight.
How long do solar panels last?
Given the cost of the investment, it’s understandable that you’d want to make sure that your solar panels will stand the test of time. Rest assured – modern solar panels typically last for over 30 years, so you can be sure that you’ll be reaping the benefits of your purchase for years to come.
Do I need to apply for planning permission for solar panels?
Most properties in Essex won’t need to apply for planning permission for solar panels, since they are considered a ‘permitted development’. However, if you live in a listed building or conservation area, you may need planning permission. If you’re unsure, contact your local council, who will be able to give you more information.
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